I firmly believe dogs are the best thing to ever happen to humans. And rescue dogs deserve better than waiting for their happily-ever-afters in small cages on cold concrete floors, or even worse, living on the streets trying not to get hit by cars (like many of our dogs from Mexico). They deserve time to decompress, heal, and to feel what it’s like to be loved like family — with soft beds, sunshine, lots of belly rubs, and the safety of a home while they wait for the people meant for them.

Ever since I found my first foster puppy alone in a field 20 years ago, I’ve opened my home to dogs in need. Fostering 45 dogs to their forever homes gave me a deep understanding of what rescue dogs actually need to heal — and it led to the creation of Sacred Paws Dog Sanctuary. This sanctuary is designed as a true foster home, not a dog shelter, where rescued dogs live with us as our pets, and are babied in a calm, loving environment while they recover, regain confidence, and prepare for adoption.

Until now, we've been calling our small home a "micro-sanctuary" — helping 1 or 2 dogs at a time. By expanding to a lager piece of land where we will live on-site, we can safely help up to 15 dogs at once without losing the personal care and emotional safety that make this model work. This is not where dogs will live forever — it’s where they heal on their way home.

Dogs like Tripp remind us why this matters so deeply. Rescued from the streets of Mexico after being run over by a car and attacked with a machete, Tripp lost a leg but never lost his spirit. His joyful, forgiving nature touched millions around the world and showed us something powerful: when dogs are given safety and love, they don’t just heal — they inspire healing in us, too. Now, building on the experience and knowledge gained over the last 20 years, your support will go directly toward acquiring the Sacred Paws property in North County San Diego — allowing us to grow from helping one or two dogs at a time to supporting up to 15 rescued foster dogs at once, while also hosting small, heart-centered community gatherings rooted in healing and connection for all. By giving today, you’re helping build a sanctuary that will heal and help place over 1,000 rescued dogs into loving homes. Thank you for being part of their journey home.

Important notes:

NOW LET’S GO SAVE SOME DOGS!

With SO MUCH love & appreciation,

Alyssa

THE VISION:

OUR CURRENT FOSTER #46, STREET DOG SPUD THE NOSELESS WONDER